Shiatsu is a form of body work, done through the clothes, to help invigorate and relax.
Working with the same meridians and points as in acupuncture, a shiatsu session involves the person lying on a comfortable mat on the floor. Gentle but firm hands-on pressure is given over the whole body, to improve the flow of energy. The result is deeply relaxing.
Shiatsu is a Japanese word meaning finger pressure. It is a traditional form of therapy which grew out of the introduction of Chinese medical theory over centuries.
Unlike ordinary massage, as it seeks to move the body’s energy which lies deeper than the skin’s surface. Passive stretches to the limbs and rotations of the joints are part of a session.
The overall aim is to improve sluggish circulation, relieve built–up tensions and free the body from chronic patterns of disharmony.
What are the benefits?
Preventative and remedial, Shiatsu can help prevent and relieve many conditions. Good for the joints and the back, Shiatsu helps relieve stiffness and improves flexibility. Deeply relaxing and grounding. Improves immunity.
What conditions can Shiatsu help?
Stress and anxiety, joint problems, back stiffness, neck and shoulder pain, sciatica, digestive complaints, fatigue, menstrual problems.
Can anyone have a Shiatsu?
Yes! Shiatsu can be adapted to suit all ages and ranges of flexibility. A session may be very gentle and restorative or energising and stimulating.
How long is a session? What do I wear?
A shiatsu session lasts one hour, including the taking of a short case history.
Loose fitting, cotton clothing, such as a t-shirt, cotton tracksuit and socks are ideal.
SHIATSU
TESTIMONIALS
Over the years I have dipped in out of having shiatsu treatments as a way of relaxing and found it amazing. However, when I attended Sally in 2019 for shiatsu because of a car accident the previous year, which significantly altered my work life and my social life, I was having difficulty sitting, standing and walking. I had considerable joint pain, neck pain, back pain, and on-going problems with my gait. I was feeling anxious most of the time.
Through working with Sally, using shiatsu massage therapy techniques, like those found in other treatment methods such as osteopathy, lymphatic drainage and physiotherapy, it began to restore my energy.
Initially when I attended Sally, I was very fearful of moving in any direction as it resulted in so much pain. Through her encouragement, we worked at increasing my range of motion. She provided me with stretching techniques and acupressure to restore muscle and bone structure. One of the key aspects of my work with Sally is that shiatsu regulates the automatic nervous system. This really helped somatically and made me less fearful of moving and less anxious. The work was a slow process, it was important for me not to go down the medical route but to find my way back from my accident as holistically as possible and Sally respected my wishes.
I have great confidence in Sally as a professional and would not hesitate to recommend her work.
I have been attending Sally for almost 10 years now. In that time Sally has helped me to manage my RSI through regular shiatsu sessions and other practical advice. Without my shiatsu sessions I wouldn’t be able to maintain the lifestyle I have today. Sally is a very sympathetic and experienced practitioner and I would highly recommend her to anyone considering shiatsu as an alternative therapy.